It seems that DJ LeMahieu is nearing a return to form. This past Monday afternoon, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone delivered some promising news. Despite the rash of injuries that have impacted the team, the Yankees have started the season strong, posting a 12-5 record that places them among the top teams in the league at this early stage.
However, both fans and the coaching staff are eager for some key players to return. This includes Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu, who were sidelined on Opening Day due to respective physical issues. The Yankees’ “ace” will have to wait a little longer. However, there is good news regarding the infielder coming from manager Aaron Boone himself.
Manager of the Yankees talks about DJ LeMahieu’s recovery
Words from New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed that DJ LeMahieu is getting closer to returning to the field with the Major League team. Boone said “he expects DJ LeMahieu to begin playing rehab games this weekend,” Boone said with his weekly interview with Talkin’ Yanks .
A bone bruise kept the experienced player out of action since before the start of the current season. Naturally, this was disappointing for Boone and the leadership of the New York Yankees, as it seemed they would finally have their full lineup available. The offense is one of the team’s strengths, and when fully healthy, it’s one of the best in MLB.
DJ LeMahieu is a key player for the Yankees in all aspects of the game. An excellent and versatile defender, he’s won the Gold Glove Award four times (2014, 2017, 2018, 2022). With the bat, he’s also essential for the team. Despite not making much noise, he’s been a Silver Slugger winner twice (2019, 2020), and in 2016 and 2020, he won the respective Champion Bat awards (American League and National League).
LeMahieu’s rehab plans
LeMahieu confirmed that he plans on starting a rehab assignment this Thursday or Friday. The third baseman has been recovering from a nondisplaced fracture, an injury he suffered after fouling a ball off his right foot in spring training.
“I wouldn’t think too many,” LeMahieu said Tuesday when asked how many rehab games he’ll need. “I would probably say less than five.”
However, Aaron Boone declined to specify a timeline for the assignment, which is anticipated to commence at Double-A Somerset. “It’s a possibility,” remarked the manager regarding LeMahieu’s forecast. “Let’s wait and see. Our focus is on the initial step. We’ll gauge the progress as we go along.”
Previously, DJ LeMahieu encountered some difficulties in increasing his baseball activities, particularly in lateral fielding movements. Nonetheless, he noted significant improvement in his foot’s condition over the past week, indicating that all necessary preparations have been completed.
“I’m prepared,” stated the concise infielder.
The Yankees planned on DJ LeMahieu being their everyday third baseman when spring training began, and Boone talked the two-time batting champ up as his preferred leadoff man throughout camp. However, Oswaldo Cabrera has exceeded expectations at the plate while filling in at the hot corner, and Anthony Volpe has taken over the leadoff spot, hitting .373 with a .464 OBP.
According to the NY Daily News, Boone sounded intent on keeping Anthony Volpe in the leadoff role when LeMahieu returns, stating “I’m probably not taking Anthony out of the leadoff spot.”
The manager added that the “good thing with DJ is I feel like he can fit a lot of different spots in the order. So we’ll see. It’s still a ways off.”
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